The Pectoral Antwren is distributed in a few areas of north-east Brazil. It is a Brazilian endemic and is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

It is found in tall caatinga, gallery forest and deciduous forest.

The male (photos 1 and 2) is similar to Large-billed AntwrenH. longirostris apart from the black crescent across the chest. The female (photos 3 and 4) has a rufous crown, and is dull buff below being slightly deeper buff on the breast.